Get started

Creating with MakeCode is simple and easy

For most of the products MakeCode works with, all you need is a computer with an internet connection—there's nothing to download or install. MakeCode is free and works across all platforms and browsers.

Pick one of the MakeCode supported products below and follow the steps to get started.

Explore the different products

Pick the product you want to work with. If you're not sure, feel free to browse through a few to get an idea of what each of them can do—they all make learning computer science a lot of fun!

micro:bit

The micro:bit is a small programmable computer with an LED screen, two buttons, a light sensor, Bluetooth antenna, accelerometer, compass and more! From dancing robots to banana keyboards, your micro:bit has all the features you need to create amazing projects—the possibilities are endless!

1. Purchase a micro:bit

You can buy micro:bits for your classroom from the Micro:bit Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization who has a global reseller network.

2. Use MakeCode online or as an app

If you have Windows 10 computers in your classroom, the MakeCode for micro:bit app makes downloading programs to the micro:bit easier, and includes support for serial data logging. If you don't have a Windows 10 computer, use MakeCode online.

Circuit Playground Express

The Circuit Playground Express provides a great introduction to electronics and programming. It has 10 multi-color NeoPixels, a motion sensor, temperature sensor, light sensor, and a microphone and speaker, plus much more! Create a siren alarm, a watch timer, or a magic wand with just a few blocks of code.

1. Purchase Circuit Playground Express

You can buy Circuit Playground Express kits with Educator discounts from Adafruit or any of the Adafruit worldwide resellers.

2. Use MakeCode online or as an app

If you have Windows 10 computers in your classroom, the MakeCode for Adafruit app makes downloading programs to the Circuit Playground Express easier and includes support for serial data logging. If you don't have a Windows 10 computer, use the MakeCode online editor.

3. Explore projects and curriculum

Minecraft

Minecraft is a game about placing and breaking blocks, where the only limit is the player’s imagination. It’s also a creative platform for teaching and learning computer science—build a program to summon a storm of chickens or create your own mini-game for friends to play!

1. Purchase Minecraft

You can download and install Minecraft for Windows 10 from the Microsoft Store, or if you are a school you can purchase Minecraft: Education Edition for Windows 10 and macOS.

4. Explore curriculum and resources

LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3

Technology and computer science come to life with LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 which comes with different sensors and motors that can be programmed. Students can build robots that can navigate mazes, sort colors, or act as a musical instrument!

1. Get LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3

Purchase the MINDSTORMS Education EV3 kit online from LEGO Education, which contains everything you need to get started teaching STEM, robotics and computer science.

2. Update the EV3 firmware

3. Use MakeCode online

Coding with MakeCode for MINDSTORMS Education EV3 is done entirely in a web browser, so students and teachers can create programs for their creations on any device or platform that has a USB port and an internet connection. No software to download or install!

4. Explore tutorials and projects

Check out tutorials, projects and code samples to get started using MakeCode for LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3. The tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on how to use each sensor or motor for the EV3, while the projects contain instructions on coding and building an end-to-end robotics solution.

Cue

Cue is a clever robot with a witty attitude that's full of interactive surprises. It also has emotive AI systems, IR sensors, microphone and speaker, and programmable LED lights and buttons. Students can code Cue's creative interactions using MakeCode's Block or JavaScript programming editors.

1. Purchase Chibi Chip

2. Use MakeCode online

Use MakeCode to create fun animations and light effects for your Chibi Chip. Plug it in via the audio jack and "play" your program to copy it to the Chibi Chip. This means you can code and download from your phone!

3. Download the Love to Code book

Download the free Love to Code e-book to print out activities and lessons for your students. This interactive storybook contains fun characters like Fern the Frog and D. Bug, and their friends who help guide students through understanding the basics of electronics and programming.

Grove Zero

This set of plug-and-play electronic modules are programmable with Microsoft MakeCode. Students can snap modules together using magnet connectors in any configuration. The Grove Zero Starter Kit comes with a buzzer, sound sensor, light sensor, LED light matrix, buttons, temperature sensor, and more.

1. Purchase the Grove Zero kit

Get the Grove Zero Starter Kit, or any of the Grove Zero accessories from Chaihuo Maker Education authorized resellers.